Stockport Express- William Wragg MP Column 3rd November 2021
In recent days, I have been saddened by the misrepresentation by campaigning organisations and opposition politicians who should know better, of a recent vote on a House of Lords Amendment to the Environment Bill. I am increasingly concerned about the long-term damage this behaviour has on faith in our representative democracy. We all agree that improving our political discourse is of paramount importance, but we need to ensure that Parliamentary proceedings are fairly represented, without bias, alongside an explanation about the way our legislative processes work. Failure to do so will only further divide our already fractious political discourse.
I am pleased that the Government has announced that a new amendment will be tabled to the Environment Bill, enshrining in law a duty on water companies to secure a progressive reduction in the adverse impacts of discharges from storm overflows. The new amendment will further strengthen the Environment Bill, which already as drafted puts in place more protections against water pollution than ever before. This is a significant step forward to improve the health of rivers.
This is all building towards the Government’s ambition to end pollution from storm overflows, transforming our sewerage system which has been in operation since the Victorian Era. Please be assured that I will continue to drive progress locally and nationally, to ensure that water companies and other polluters are held to account. Improving the cleanliness and safety of rivers increasing our area’s biodiversity, which is key to ensuring the long-term health of our natural environment.
